Event to feature monster truck star Dennis Anderson

Dennis Anderson of Grave Digger fame will be participating in the event Saturday with his mud truck, King Sling.

8/15/13

Scroll down for video of Dennis Anderson's truck, King Sling, which will be featured Saturday at the event.

HALE — Organizers for the Michigan Mud Jam at the Iosco County Fairgrounds are hoping to bring a big crowd of people to Hale Aug. 21-24.

Melissa Streeter, one of the organizers, says the group is expecting 10,000 people and 1,000 trucks for the event.

“It’s never been successful in Michigan,” she said. “We’re looking to be the first successful one in Michigan.”

Streeter said one of the keys to success for this event will be the inclusion of Dennis Anderson, best known as the driver of the Grave Digger monster truck.

“He’s never been to Michigan with King Sling, his mud truck,” she said. “And we advertised it a lot. And really, Facebook is the way to go when you’re trying to get the word out there.”

“The guys from Trucks Gone Wild think we’re going to be really close (in attendance) to the Louisiana Mud Fest, which is huge,” Streeter said. “And this is our first year. They think we’re doing something right.”

Streeter said the event will feature 30 acres of mud with two pits — one for trucks with tires 44 inches and smaller, and one for 44 inches and larger. She said participation in the event is free. Admission prices are per person, and are $60 for Wednesday through Sunday, $50 for Thursday through Sunday, $40 for Friday through Sunday and $20 for Saturday through Sunday. Prices include camping, which is first-come first-serve.

The mud pits will be open Friday from 9 a.m. until dusk. Streeter said there is no competition — it’s just a chance to play in the mud. There will be tug-of-wars after dark, and a wet T-shirt contest for those 18 and older.

Saturday, the pits will again be open from 9 a.m. to dusk, with tug-of-wars and a wet T-shirt contest after dark.

Anderson will also be putting on two shows Saturday with his truck, and there will be a megatruck freestyle competition around noon.

“Cory Rummell will be attempting a backflip with his mega truck,” Streeter said. “It’s never been done with a mega truck before.”